Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 36,878,352 - 38,572,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card & Each Person platform

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Salisbury Nursery, part of Tops Day Nurseries, is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to support learning and development for children up to age five. You’ll help create a safe, caring environment with play-based learning guided by EYFS principles.

Join a collaborative team dedicated to warmth, kindness, and high-quality early education, with opportunities for professional growth and staff discounts.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training, while ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern. Helping children develop motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported, creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration and independent learning.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any arising concerns.

Skills

Safeguarding procedures

Education

Level 2 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom Wiltshire

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £12.87 Hour

Contracted hours: 40 hours per week/Full time

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee; you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With over 30 nurseries across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

About The Role

Our Nursery Practitioner supports the educational and social development of children up to age five. Key duties include ensuring a safe learning environment, helping children develop social and behavioural skills, and engaging them in age‑appropriate play. By joining us, you'll work with a passionate team dedicated to providing care, warmth, and kindness.

About The Nursery

Tops Salisbury Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool on Odstock Road, offering Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our welcoming environment supports children to learn, play, and develop confidence through positive interactions with peers and adults. We offer a rich programme of enrichment activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, meditation, Boogie Mites, and swimming lessons for children aged 3‑5. Through play‑based learning and strong community links, we provide a nurturing setting where children can explore, grow, and thrive.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day

What does the role involve?

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training, while ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern. Helping children develop motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported, creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration and independent learning.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any arising concerns.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles and not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.